Good Samaritan
noun. [suh-mar-uh-tuhn]
a person who gratuitously gives help to those in distress
The Good Samaritan Policy is designed to empower
students and organizations to seek emergency assistance
for dangerously intoxicated individuals. Indeed, the College
expects students to have responsibility to one another and
to intervene BEFORE dangerous levels of intoxication occur.
Being a true Good Samaritan means that you will encourage
a friend who is drinking too much to STOP drinking before
he/she needs to be hospitalized.
Should you encounter a student who is dangerously
intoxicated, please seek help immediately.
The Good Samaritan Policy exists to ensure the health
and welfare of students and to make sure that students
do not have to handle these situations alone.
Neither those reporting incidents nor those needing help
will be subject to disciplinary action; there is no deterrant
to asking for help.
Follow-up educational assistance will always be provided.
For the complete Policy, refer to the Student Handbook at
studentlife.lafayette.edu/student-handbook.
When to Call?
If you observe a student with any of the following conditions, you are expected to get help:
•Vomiting or loss of bodily functions
•Difficulty standing
•Incoherent speech
•Semiconscious or unconscious state
•Irregular, shallow, or slowed breathing
(normal breathing is once every 5 seconds)
•Injuries (e.g., fell and hit head, laceration, etc.)
•Bluish or pale skin tones, hypothermia
(low body temperature)
Whom to Call?
•Public Safety: (610) 330-4444 or x4444
•Give specific information related to your situation
and location.
•Residence Hall Staff: You also can contact any
RA/FHA/HR for assistance, though it’s preferable to
contact the RA on duty. A duty schedule is posted
outside each staff member’s door. RAs will assess
the situation and may contact Public Safety
for further assistance. Again, it is always helpful
to provide information related to the student’s
condition (i.e., when, where, what, and how much
he/she had to drink).
What Happens Next?
Public Safety will send an officer to your location to
assess the student’s condition and to determine
whether or not the student needs medical attention.
You may be asked for additional information related
to his/her condition. Please cooperate with the officer as
he/she always has the best interest of students in mind.
Timely and accurate information can help the officer
better assess the student’s health risks.
This Is Who WE Are
•91.8% of students strongly agreed or agreed that
Lafayette encourages students to help others in need.
•43% of students strongly agreed or agreed (21% neutral)
that they abide by College policy and regulations
concerning alcohol or drug use.
•76.8% of students strongly agreed or agreed
that they have a responsibility to contribute to
the well-being of others.
Data Source: CORE Survey Administration, spring 2016